strain2

 
Pronunciation: /streɪn/

noun

  • 1a particular breed, stock, or variety of an animal or plant.
  • a natural or cultured variety of a microorganism with a distinct form, biochemistry, or virulence.
  • a variety of something abstract: a strain of feminist thought
  • 2a particular tendency as part of a person’s character: there was a powerful strain of insanity on her mother’s side of the family

Origin:

Old English strīon 'acquisition, gain', of Germanic origin; related to Latin struere 'to build up'